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September 04, 2001Contact: Dan Ayres, (360) 249-1209

Public meetings scheduled on razor clam season

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) will seek recommendations on the fall razor clam season at a series of five public meetings in western Washington this month.

WDFW will also accept written comments through Sept. 21 on the upcoming season, which is tentatively scheduled to begin in mid-October.

"We've made a real effort in recent years to structure razor clam openings in ways that make the most sense for clam diggers and coastal communities," said Dan Ayres, WDFW razor clam biologist. "We want to hear from people about how we can maximize digging opportunities during the coming season."

Besides accepting public comments on the 2001-02 season, agency biologists will review the 2000-01 season and discuss the findings of the recently completed razor clam stock assessment for the Washington coast.

Ayres said razor clam populations are continuing to grow under the current management strategy, which should allow for better digging opportunities on most beaches than in past years. The fall season will be set after the public has had a chance to comment, he said.

The public meetings are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the following locations:

Westport: Monday, Sept. 10, at the Ocosta High School Library, 2580 Montesano St.

Forks: Wednesday, Sept. 19, at the West End Sportsman's Club, 243 Sportsman's Drive.

People who are unable to attend the public meetings can submit written comments to WDFW through Sept. 21. Comments should be mailed to Dan Ayres, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, 600 Capitol Way N., Olympia, WA 98501-1091. Comments also may be sent via e-mail to fishpgm@dfw.wa.gov to the attention of Dan Ayres.

General information about razor clam digging in Washington state is available on the WDFW website.